Authors Note: I would like to thank you all for reading this story and actually leaving a review. And a special thanks to Spear-of-the-doomed, monkeygun99 and Saint of vice koncor for being the first to review. Now please enjoy.
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"So I'm not dreaming. This box is still here and my ears have changed" I said to myself as I look back and forth from the small stand mirror and the floating white box that still read:
Mission Complete:
Locate King Trode and Princess Medea before Sunrise
Bonus Objective:
Make sure that both the King and Princess were not Harmed during the Rescue
Reward:
2000 Exp, 4 Gold Pieces, Monsters do not Enter Trodain until you leave the Castle Town Gate
Bonus Reward:
Dragon Scale Accessory
Your Level has increased by 3
After my melt down, His Majesty had tried to calm me down the only way he knew how; by beating me over the head. How he is able to jump two feet in the air and smack me back into the ground is something of a wonder. When I finally got my face off of the ground, King Trode and Her Highness were waiting for me by the entrance to escort them out of the room. But when we reached the bottom of the staircase, their reactions were only what I could expect.
"MY SUBJECTS!? MY KNIGHTS!? MY KINGDOM!?" were the Kings reactions to when he saw the people lying on the ground with plant like appendages and the thorn covered vines covering all over the castle. Medea could only stand there with a look of horror as she was unable to voice it, due to the curse placed upon her. It took some time for the information to sink in before I suggested I brought them to their bed chambers as it was still the middle of the night.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, but you need your rest. I will go into town at dawn and report if anything has happened to the people" I did not get a reply as I saw both of them just sit on the floor of the now cold stone. Not seeing them move, I quietly left the chamber and made my way back to the barracks. Even the friends that I had made over the years were not saved from this as some had taken fighting positions while others tried to protect the servants from the thorns; none were safe from the curse. Deciding to reach my bed for what little sleep I could muster, I could only hope that this was a nightmare that I will wake up from.
Unfortunately, when I awoke nothing had changed. Moving myself towards my desk for the mirror that laid onto, I need to see if my ears had really changed. When I had looked, beneath several strands of brown hair were my ears that now extended past their normal height. The color had changed slightly to a light brown where the frills were located; them being at the tip of my ears heading down towards my lobe. I touched them and they did not feel any different from before, just a bit longer now. Placing the stand mirror down, I finally give my attention to the white box. Having no idea what this is, I examine it in greater detail know that I have calmed down. The words were still the same several hours ago and the design was still that of lightly etched feather border. Following the border to the outer most edge, I could see a light colored 'X' in the corner. Deciding that nothing worse could happen, I braced myself and pressed it. To my surprise, it vanished into small particles of light and moved towards my new scar on my chest.
Feeling nothing, I assumed that was how I could make these boxes disappear from my vision. "What exactly are you?" I could only say from all of the madness that has happened. Moving to my trunk for a spare set of clothes, I decided t wear my servant garb; Orange bandana tied around my head, tanned long pants, leather boots and a long blue sleeved shirt. Everything else that I had was either in the servant's quarter to be washed or ruined from the night's events. Picking up Munchie from the dresser, we made our way towards the kitchen to see if we can salvage any food to make. Taking a detour every now and then to avoid tripping on the vines or running into a servant, Munchie and I arrived in front of the Kitchen. Pushing the doors open, I could see several chefs in the same position from everyone else in the caste. Even the Head Maid was using herself as a shield for what I could only assume was the new servant hired last week.
'May the Goddess receive and protect you in the Land of the Almighty' I said a short prayer before moving to the pantry. Prying loose a few thorns, the door falls off its hinges as I back away to avoid further injury. Looking inside I see several jars of preserved fruit, condiments and bags of rice. Picking up a bag and jar containing what the jar labeled 'Miso', I bring them to the fire pit to start cooking. Heading off to one of the cabinets to use a hanging pot, I brought it over to the 'sink' that would allow me to get water without having to go outside to the well. While waiting for the fire to boil the water, I head towards the cool box where we keep all of our meat. I'm not sure how it works, but from what I have been told it utilizes magic and water in the air to freeze the contents inside from rotting. All I know is that only nobility could afford something like this. Looking inside, I see a few Salmon fillets that would have been used for today's meal. Taking them out and bringing a skillet hanging on the wall, I return to see the water has come to a boil.
Adding the rice and heating up the skillet, I walk back to the cool box for anything. Seeing a small cheese wheel and a bushel of carrots, I should feed Munchie now and bring the Princess these carrots. Knowing that this will be difficult adjustment for her, I could only hope that she can stomach it. She never was a picky eater, but I can only hope she will eat. Now that the skillet was hot enough, I add the salmon to cook while removing the pot of rice. Several minutes passed before I removed the fish and set it aside to locate a bowl and plate. Most were damaged but a few had survived. Placing the rice in the bowl and fish on the plate, I can say that breakfast has been made. It's nothing special that the Head Chef can do, so I can only pray that it is edible. When I moved the food the food on a tray to carry up to His Majesty and the Princess, a bell had rung throughout the kitchen.
A skill has been created due to a special action! You have learned the Basic Cooking Skill!
Basic Cooking: Lv 3. Next Lv 57/200. The ability on how to prepare and cook meals. Current Level only allows you to make certain meals such as boiled eggs, rice and bread. Hint: some meals can only be made when using recipe or by having someone with the 'Culinary' Class to teach you how to cook. 10 MP per dish
I had almost dropped the tray when the White box appeared again. Steadying myself, I look at the box to see what it said. Not understanding what this was about, I pressed the 'X' to make it go away. "I will figure out this magic later. Right now I need to bring this food to King Trode and the Princess" telling myself before putting out the fire and heading to the Third Floor with food in hand and the bushel of carrots under my arms. Taking the same detour, I arrived at the Kings Bed Chamber where both Father and Daughter had been for the night. I knocked on the door to announce my presence. When I did not hear a sound from either, I assumed that they must still be asleep. Moving the tray to a better angle to have a free hand, I reached for the handle and slowly opened it.
-Medeas POV-
No matter how many times I look, my hands and feet are gone to be replaced with hooves. I haven't slept at all since Drake brought Father and me to his chamber. When I tried to speak, all that would come out was a slight neighing sound. I couldn't even clutch my throat at the sound that I had made. When Drake left, my father did not speak as to try and comprehend what has happened to both the Castle Staff and the three of us. All because of Dhoulmagus wanted the Sealed Scepter on the Fourth Floor.
I don't know how that jester came to know about; even father has only told me last month about the magical treasure. All that my father and I know about it was that it must not ever leave Seal Array. That is what has been passed down in our family for centuries since the time of the Great Sages. Now I know why, its magic is far too powerful too tempting for ordinary people to use. In the hands of people like Dhoulmagus, they could destroy a country with little to no effort.
'Didn't Drake have a dream about a Scepter...Was it a warning for the events that happened' I thought to myself as to remember the conversation we had just yesterday. At the time, I didn't want to talk about the Sealed Scepter to keep my promise to father. But know I cannot help but think what would have happened if I had discussed it with him. I have never kept any secret from Drake, even when we were children. Now I see the consequences of keeping secrets. 'I promise to never keep another secret and to tell you how I feel if we ever return to normal, Drake. This is my Oath to you'.
I heard knocking come from the door. I look towards it, and then the window to see that dawn had already come. Feeling ever flustered, I lay down on the ground and closed my eyes to assume a sleeping form. A minute past before the door slowly opened to show Drake carrying a tray of food and a large plant of some sort. I'm too embarrassed to face him in my current form, so I just remained in my position. "I suppose you both have had a long night. I'll leave this over here for you two" he said while walking over to Fathers desk and laying down the food. He began to head towards the door when his footsteps halted. "Medea" he whispered and I froze at my name being called. I couldn't see him from my current position, but I could tell that he was looking at me. I waited for him to either call me out that didn't sleep or to check if I was alright, but what came next made my heart ache. "I'm sorry for failing you" was all he said before closing the door and walking down the corridor. I wanted to speak, to tell him 'This is not your fault' so badly that tears were falling. Never in my life have I ever wanted to express my sorrow and anger at anyone, but I will curse Dhoulmagus for having placed this curse upon us. For my father to look like a monster, for making Drake feel responsible for this tragedy, and for taking my voice to ease Drakes worry.
-Eldrake POV-
After leaving the Castle, I needed to check to see if the town's people were affected by this curse or not. Running off to the Main Gate, I looked to see how the castle was. Most of the vines had only struck the windows and not the main support beam. From where I was standing, it looked like the castle had been a ruin for a long time instead of just nine hours. After leaving through the gate, I could see that this curse was indeed powerful. What stood before me were the vines acting like thread in embroidery while the homes were the cloth. Main Street had so many thorns coming out of the ground and impaled the citizens like it had done me. The only difference was that there was no blood on the ground from where they stood. I saw men carrying weapons attacking the thorns, the elderly on the ground and women holding their children in flee. When I took a step forward, I heard a familiar bell sound.
Welcome to the Ruins of Trodain
Since you have obtained the Blessing of the Goddess "Divine Body", would you care for a Tutorial?
Reward: 1000 Exp, 2 Gold Pieces per section, 5 PAS Points, ?
Yes No
The box had written on it, not understanding why it keeps showing up at the most random of times. Seeing as how the 'No' has been colored gray, I pushed 'Yes'.
To begin, please pick one the sections listed below:
Status
Skills
Spells
Inventory
Quest/Mission
Not knowing where to start, I chose the first one on the list.
Status Window
Name: Eldrake ?
Age: 18 Race: Human/?
Title: Soldier of Trodain
Class: Soldier/Lancer
Level: 4 Next Level: 600/2500
HP: 315/315 HPR: 8.4 per min
MP: 89/100 MPR: 2 per min
STR: 16
VIT: 16 (+5) = 21
DEX: 18 (+5) = 23
INT: 17 (+3) = 20
WIS: 21 (+2) = 23
LUK: 8
Points: 15 (+5 points per Lv)
Money: 4 Gold, 97 Silver, 68 Copper (Money Conversion Rate: 100 Copper = 1 Silver, 100 Silver = 1 Gold. The average villager only spends 40 coppers a day (for food) and earns 1 silver a day depending on the Job/Class)
Perks:
?: +1 WIS & +2 VIT per Lv, +15% increase towards Monster Drop, +20% Reputation gain with Non-Human tribes
?: +2 INT per Lv, +15% EXP towards Strategy & Tactics, +20% EXP towards Politics/Diplomacy & Language Skills
Status Effects:
?: The Caster, ?, has sealed away your memories to protect the ?. Due to the seal, you have become Immune to Curse's. Permanent Status.
Elemental Affinity: N/A
Description: Eldrake's past from the moment of his birth to the age of eight is shrouded in mystery. Found in the gardens of Trodain by Medea L. Trodain, he was nursed back to health and asked to remain in Trodain by Medea to be her first friend. Wanting to repay the kindness to the King and Princess, Eldrake began to work in the Castle as a servant. Has recently been promoted to Soldier Second Class by Medea so that the two could spend more time together.
I could only stare at what I was looking at. This little box had shown me the last ten years of my life here in Trodain. And the fact that it could show me that I have a last name meant that I have family as well in this world. When I tried to press what the question mark next to my name, I was frustrated that a new box came up.
Due to the circumstances of your birth, they will remain sealed until you have discovered the reason. Once this Tutorial is finish, a new Quest/Mission will be given.
Not wanting to become upset at not knowing who my parents are, I sit down on the ground to think of what to do. 'My parents could be out there, but the most likely situation is that they have passed on and I was orphaned' thinking to myself as I look at this 'Status' box as it called itself. Looking at all of the numbers, I pressed 'HP' to get a better understanding of this 'magic'.
Attributes
This determines your strengths and weaknesses. The way to increase them is by putting points into them when you have leveled up or by training and/or performing certain task. Warning: as your attributes increase, it will become more difficult to attain them through training/task. Some Titles can give additional bonuses to these attributes.
Strength (STR): The Strength Attribute determines a person's overall muscle and physical power. It affects the amount of damage a person can inflict on another and can improve your physical appearance. Strength can naturally increase by performing physical exercises.
Vitality (VIT): The Vitality Attribute determines a person's Health (HP) and constitution. This also affects how the body heals or regenerates (HPR) outside of combat and can resist up to certain types of Status Conditions (Ex. Poison, Paralysis, Burns, etc). Vitality can naturally increase by performing either physical exercises or placing a status effect on yourself to increase your endurance.
1 VIT = 15 HP & 0.4HPR
Dexterity (DEX): The Dexterity Attribute determines a person's overall movement. Accuracy, Dodge Rate and Hand-Eye coordination are the basics for this attribute.
Intelligence (INT): The Intelligence Attribute determines a person's thinking ability, innovation and how well they are able to maintain that knowledge. This affects the power of Magic and how much they have. This plays an important role in Politics, Language and (?). The best way to increase is via studying books. Though similar to Wisdom, Intelligence allows you to know the subject and to answer it.
1 INT = 5 MP
Wisdom (WIS): The Wisdom Attribute determines a person's common sense, perception, and ability to manipulate Magic. It affects how fast the person is able to recover magic. Similar to Intelligence, Wisdom allows you to look at a situation but come up with a different solution. Wisdom can increase by understanding problems and thinking outside of the norm.
Every 10 WIS = 1% MP Regen
Luck (LUK): The Luck Attribute determines a person's chance. It affects finding treasure, wining money through gambling and the quality of loot from monsters. Note that this skill cannot increase through the point system and must be done through finding a high quality treasure or winning big at gambling.
Going over every description carefully and looking at my overall stats, I can only assume that I'm balanced from what the numbers say. Another boxed appeared once I finished reading.
Now that you understand Attributes, would you like to use them now?
Yes No
Looking at this, I do not know if this would change anything so I hit 'No' to close this box when another on popped into existence.
For being cautious about this new situation and saving points your WIS has gone up by 1!
I blink at this new screen before making this box vanish. 'So that is what it meant when you could increase an attribute naturally' I thought as I closed all of these boxes to go for the next section. Feeling movement in my front pocket, I look to see Munchie crawl out and fall into my lap. Turning around to my bag, I locate the cheese wheel I found this morning and set it on the ground. Seeing this, Munchie shoots off my lap and tears apart the wheel as fast as he can. Laughing at the moment, I return my attention to the box and press 'Skills'.
Skill List
Abilities that the User has either learned or created for their daily life. There are currently Three Types of skills that the User can access; Passive, Passive/Active, and Active.
Passive Skills: Abilities that improve themselves over time and grant bonuses to attributes.
Divine Body: Lv Max. A blessing from the Goddess bestowed upon you for surviving the Thousand Thorn Curse. HP and MP are fully recovered after sleeping in a bed, 25% outdoors or in a tent. The User of this Blessing shall live His/her life as a ? (Only when you have come to the end of your life may you understand the true meaning behind this Skill).
Cartography: Lv 6. Next Lv 1387/1600. This allows the user to chart/draw and understand any map. At the current Level, the user can only chart the Basic of small villages, roads and caverns. Hint: by acquiring a town map, you will be able to update your current surroundings and Level up this skill (depending on the quality of the map). Grants the User "Map" Function.
Tactics/Strategy: Lv 18. Next Lv 819/4,800. The ability to Think and Lead in any situation to obtain the desired results. At Higher levels, the User can coordinate with other people and perform actions that are considered impossible by normal standards. Hint: the way to increase this Skill is by studying past Tactics and/or applying them to actually use. Passively Increase WIS by 2
Politics/Diplomacy: Lv 12. Next Lv 587/4,200. The ability to maneuver in political situations by methods of persuasion, blackmail, guile and manipulation. The higher the Lv, the higher the success rate will be. 12% of success. Hint: the way to increase this Skill is by studying and/or applying them to actually use. Passively Increase INT by 3
Cleaning/Washing: Lv Max. A technique to wash; dishes, clothes, floors/windows and/or Equipment. With complete mastery, the User can clean any dirty spot or stain. Durability will also increase by a small percentage if washing clothes that are either cloth/silk.
Languages: the method of communication between the Races, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. Each Language is divided into 4 Parts (Lv 25 Read, Lv 50 Write, Lv 75 Hear, Lv MAX Speak). This Skill will allow you to do all of them, but the higher the level, the more fluent the User will become in said Language.
Human (English): Lv MAX. Speak the Tongue of Man
? (?): Lv MAX. Speak the Tongue of ? (Note: Until the User has discovered the reason of their Heritage, this Language will be Sealed)
Passive/Active Skills: These Skills can only Lv up when you have PAS Points. Each Skill will bestow you a New Title and Ability every 10 Points. PAS Points can only be obtained be either leveling up or completing certain quest.
Sword: 16/100. +5 Power Increase when holding a Sword
Spear: 13/100. +5 Power Increase when Holding a Spear
Boomerang: 5/100
Fisticuffs: 7/100
Courage: 6/100
Analysis: 17/100. Skill - Observe
PAS Points: 12 (+2 per Lv)
Active Skill: Abilities that you the User must use constantly in order to improve a evolve them. When an Active Skill has been maxed out, a window will present itself to evolve into a higher tier skill. Some skills can only be learned through either a Skill book or by a tutor of a certain Class/Job.
Basic Cooking: Lv 3. Next Lv 57/200. The ability on how to prepare and cook meals. Current Level only allows you to make certain meals such as boiled eggs, rice and bread. Hint: some meals can only be made when using recipe or by having someone with the 'Culinary' Class to teach you how to cook. 10 MP per dish
Botany/Harvesting: Lv 4. Next Lv 385/400. The ability to recognize and gather all forms of plant life as well as growing/maintaining them. Current level only identifies Fruit, Vegetables and Low Rank Herbs. At higher levels, you can acquire; rare herbs, High Rank herbs, Identify if herbs are poisonous and distinguish if the plant is a monster type. Hint: Works in coalition with the Analysis Skill Tree. 28% Chance to obtain "Medium Rank" Herb, 3% to obtain a "High Rank" Herb, 0.01% chance to obtain "Rare" Herb. 15 MP
Bartering: Lv 6. Next Lv 167/1600. The ability to alter the price of an Item to either increase or decrease its original value. At the current Lv, the User can only go up to a 6% Increase/Decrease of the market value before you lose respect from either Buyer/Seller. Hint: Luck plays into effect here, so depending on the Item it may raise both the Skill and LUK Stat. 25 MP per Item/30 MP per Bulk
I am speechless at the thought that I have this many skills. But my surprise is the Language that is hidden from me. That itself is more than enough proof that I am something other than human. Moving my hands to feel my ears, the thought that it might not have been the curse but from this Blessing that it happened. I'll leave those thoughts for later when I have time to properly think. When I tried to push the points, a window showed up that I would not be able to use it until after I leave Trodain. I left the aside for now as I need to further understand this magic.
Spells
The Ability to utilize magic from within yourself and give physical form. Not everyone is born with the ability to use magic, only 18% of the world's population (Both Human and Non-Human) can use magic.
You have not learned any Spells.
I figured as much. When I was a child, King Trode had all of the children who turned ten come to the castle to be tested for magical ability. If you were lucky enough to show an aptitude towards it, His Majesty would grant the child the Title of Baron and have their family moved to a home closer towards the castle. It doesn't happen often as it sounds as the last child to have any extraordinary magical potential was seven years ago from the daughter of Marques Adam Albert. Since he was already a subject of Trodain, King Trode had decided to establish a squad of Knights in Alexandria to protect both the Albert Family and town's people of local monsters.
Even I was tested and shown that I had not an ounce of magic in me. So know I wonder why it says I can use magic now? I suppose that is one of the mysteries I will need to solve later on. Closing the box, I push 'Equipment/Inventory'. I become surprise to see myself and small squares next to my image.
Inventory
This will allow the User to store any object that they desire into it. To store items, one only needs to simply place the item against the window and it will be safely stored. To retrieve the item, the User only needs to reach inside the window and think of the item that they desire. Let's try it now; please retrieve the Dragon Scale Accessory.
Feeling slight disbelief at the thought of placing items in a storage made out of thin air, even with magic, was ludicrous. My surprise only grew when my hand had disappeared in the 'window' of squares. When I pulled my hand out, there wrapped around my wrist was the Dragon Scale. The accessory was something else; the scale was a bright red attached to a leather cord. On the cord were five bronze beads, six silver beads and two fangs. Whoever was the craftsman must have had a hard time collecting the materials to make it. Staring at the scale a little longer, I decided to place it back in the 'Inventory'. When I removed my hand, the scale was no longer there and one of the squares was filled with a picture of the scale. I closed the windows, and pressed on the last section.
Quest/Missions
You will be able to perform special task for people and upon completion, you will be rewarded. What that reward is will depend on how hard the task set for you will be.
Mission: Complete the Tutorial. Reward: 1000 Exp, 2 Gold Pieces per section, 5 PAS Points, ?
Mission: Find out about your Parents. Reward: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?
I look at the last mission at why there were so many question marks, but could only imagine that it was quite difficult because maybe even the Goddess did not know who my parents were. Getting rid of the final window, I now know that this is a magic blessing was made to either improve my very character or to perform a task set forth from the Goddess. Either way, I have a better grasp on this power.
Mission Complete:
Complete the Tutorial
Reward: 1000 Exp, 10 Gold Pieces, 5 PAS Points, Orange Short Sleeve Long Coat
A bright light had had enveloped me and I was now wearing the short sleeve long coat. From what I can see, it was of fine cotton with decent tailor work. At least there was a pocket big enough for Munchie to sleep in now. Speaking of said mouse, I look to my right and see him passed out with a few crumbs of cheese on the ground. Picking him up and putting him in his new home, I look up to see that it had only been an hour since I sat down to go over this magic. Taking a deep breath, I make my way to the center of town to begin my investigation.
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"So, everyone besides you, my Daughter and I have been turned into that plant like forms" King Trode asked after I had reported from investigating the town. He had not left his chamber until I had come to report what I had found. "Yes Your Majesty, the town is in similar conditions as the castle. I have searched through every home I could but I am afraid that every citizen of Trodain has been cursed" I stated from my kneeling position in front of him while the Princess stood beside her father on all fours hooves. King Trode just sat in his chair while rubbing his now bald green head with his talon hands. I waited to see if there was anything that he wanted me to do before I went to the kitchen to start tonight's meal.
"We cannot remain here and idle our precious time away" he said to himself while trying to come up with a course of action. He then looked up from the floor towards me "You said that you saw a bright light flying off in the East?" I nodded and His Majesty held his chin as to remember a past thought. "To the east of Trodain is the city of Farebury. Master Rylus was our Court Magician before he retired. If what that Jester had told me was true, then he was a student under Master Rylus's care. Hopefully there is a shred of truth to it. Right then!" the King said with more pep in his step as he got out of his chair.
"Now, Drake my boy, the only course of action now is to go after the foul Dhoulmagus to lift this curse. There is a lot of packing to do but we should leave no later than tomorrow. There should be a spare wagon somewhere on the castle grounds. I am sorry my precious Daughter, that I will have to force you to do manual labor" King Trode said while walking towards his cursed Princess. She lowered her head so that he could hug her. His Majesty had tears in his eyes as he moved to hug his strong daughter.
I watched the tender moment before I voiced my concern. "Your Majesty, I am all well for going after Dhoulmagus, but on the chance that he has fled in a different direction, how are we to pay for this? I have a few coin to me but at most I can only get us a week stay in Farebury and pay the check point towards Alexandria" I said not wanting look up.
"Hmmm...You are quite right, my boy, and I can't use the royal coffers for this as it does not belong to me" the king said as he began to pace across the room. Medea and I watched as he went back and forth until he stopped. "A merchant...the Merchant Guild is stationed in Farebury. If we could apply to become merchants, then we wouldn't need to pay the tax for entering another country. Since the Merchant Class is the only one that can bypass the checkpoints with just the Approval of the Guild. And if we can make a profit from what we sell to the cities, we can use that to purchase information about Dhoulmagus's whereabouts. We will be killing two birds with one stone!" He said loudly as both princess and I looked at each other confused at the actions.
"Right Then! Drake, head off towards the vault and take out any vases, paintings and small statues that can easily fit into the wagon. Medea, if you could go and look for the wagon as best as you can then lead Drake to it. I will need to lock the coffers and vault in case any thieves decide to make our castle an easy target" he said as he rushed off to one of the Vaults. The horse princess and I both blinked at where the king had run off to before shrugging it off to complete our new task.
Mission: Journey of the Cursed King
Find, Capture or Kill Dhoulmagus to Break the Curse on both King Trode and Princess Medea
Reward: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?
Faliure: Death
Mission: Find anything of Value to become a Merchant
Bonus: ?, ?, ?
Reward: Estimated Gold of Items, Merchant Pass, Job - Merchant
Bonus Reward: ?, ?, Title
Failure: Must pay a High Tax at every Check Point before entering a New Country
Looking at these two new quests, I turned slightly to see if Medea could also see them. She didn't react to them, so I can only assume that I am the only one that this magic really does affect. Accepting both, I lead the princess outside so that she could find this wagon for us. While she was doing that, I went back inside to see if there was anything that hasn't been damaged too much.
-0-
The next morning came and I was loading up all of the items that we could find in the wagon. The wagon was a piece of work that needed a brand new wheel and cloth roof. It would get us to Farebury, but we would need to purchase a new one if this was going to be a long journey. after placing the last urn in the wagon, the king came down the grand stair case with a small nap sack which I would assume was full of either food or coin incase our plan to become Merchants went up in smoke. The Princess was looking at the castle with a somber look while the king tried to jump in the rider's chair. Walking over to her, I cautiously put my hand on her large white neck and began to pet it. "It will be alright...We'll be back before you know it. We just need to have a little faith" I said while looking at the ruined castle. Medea moved her head toward my chest and just left it there. I moved my arm around her head to try and give her what little comfort I could. We remained like that for a few minutes before we had to leave, positioning the Princess to be secured to the Wagon while trying not to make it uncomfortable for her. "Are you ready, my boy?" the green king asked while I strapped on my sword. Walking up to the side of Medea, I turned back to His majesty with a smile "Let's Go."
